- Ukraine to renegotiate collapsed US minerals deal amid tensions with Trump.
- Russian strikes kill civilians; Zelensky criticizes muted US response.
- UK and France push for peacekeeping force as Trump eyes direct Russia talks.
A Ukrainian delegation is visiting Washington this week. They are in a renewed push to finalize a strategic minerals agreement, covering key resources like titanium and lithium.
Meanwhile, tensions have surged on the ground in Ukraine. A deadly missile strike on Kryvyi Rih killed 20 civilians, including nine children. This prompted Trump to call on Russia to halt the bombings.
Russia Bombards Ukraine as Kyiv, West Chart Fragile New Diplomatic Path
The Ukrainian economy delegation’s visit to Washington marks a critical juncture. The US eyes long-term access to rare minerals in exchange for continued political support. The revised proposal aims to deepen US stakes in Ukraine’s postwar recovery and defense sector. However, details remain unclear amid political uncertainties in both capitals.
Trump’s re-engagement with the conflict has raised eyebrows. He attempts to broker peace with Russia while downplaying NATO’s role. His recent comment urging Russia to “stop the bombing” contrasts with his administration’s pivot toward mending US-Russia ties, often at Europe’s expense.
Zelensky’s growing alignment with European partners reflects a strategic shift. His weekend meetings with the UK and French military chiefs aimed at deploying a multinational “reassurance force”. This underscores Europe’s desire to act independently of Washington’s unpredictable stance.
While the battlefield remains volatile, the diplomatic front is equally fraught. The mistaken US emails threatening deportation of Ukrainian refugees, combined with rising extremist threats from pro-Russia neo-Nazi groups, add further instability. These issues reveal how far-reaching the war’s impact is. They also show how fragile peace-building efforts remain.
As Ukraine navigates war, diplomacy, and internal uncertainty, its alliances are shifting. Additionally, global power dynamics are being redefined—with or without Washington’s lead.
“They are afraid to even say the word ‘Russian’ when speaking about the missile that murdered children.” – Volodymyr Zelenskyy
